UXBRIDGE -- While the race to replace previous MP Bev Oda has officially begun, with a byelection called for Durham riding Nov. 26, the Times Journal caught up with candidates to ask what they will do for Uxbridge, if elected.

- Liberal candidate Grant Humes

Fighting the Pickering airport is first on his to-do list.

"We call it the Pickering-Uxbridge airport since they fly right over you guys," he said. "I am against it, always have been and we will continue to stand against it. At the end of the day, what it boils down to, we need to say no, turn this back into farm land and move on with life, folks."

Mr. Humes also recently attended a public meeting regarding a proposed communications tower in Uxbridge, which had a turnout of approximately 200 people. The tower is proposed at the Quaker Village reservoir in a residential area and many residents have expressed health concerns.

"I learned a lot about electromagnetic radiation levels which was never on my radar screen but it leads me to ask whether as a country, do we have the right standards, a question we need to ask," he said. "Council and the municipality need to work within a structural framework to understand what we're allowed to have happen, where we would like it and I don't necessarily think building towers in back yards is the best way."

Mr. Humes noted that it is important for the Township to understand Industry Canada guidelines and to remember the importance of progress which "gives our children jobs."

"We can't stop it but we need to balance that with the interest of the people."

Another issue Mr. Humes plans to tackle for all three municipalities in Durham riding -- Uxbridge, Scugog and Clarington -- is gas tax.

"When you fill your car, you pay federal gas tax and the theory is for that tax to be used for roads and bridges to improve transportation infrastructure," he said. "We want a viable economy but I propose the greater share of gas tax go back to the municipalities so they can do their job ... without having to raise people's municipal property taxes. As a federal government, we need to make sure the tax is used for what it is supposed to be used for. There is only one taxpayer."

Mr. Humes also discussed the constant flow of commercial trucks rumbling through the downtown core of Uxbridge, and while he isn't sure they will ever completely go away, he is sure that the roads need to be maintained if these heavy vehicles are causing damage, which could be done if he accomplishes his goals with gas tax.

"I want to be a strong voice for Uxbridge and Durham, I care about the people that live here," said Mr. Humes.

- Conservative candidate Erin O'Toole

The biggest concern he would like to address for the three municipalities is the economy, noting that it is time to keep taxes low for families and seniors.

"My focus is going to be on the local economy and jobs while trying to develop more and more employment opportunities," he said.

Mr. O'Toole also expressed concerns for the traffic volume through the downtown core of Uxbridge and believes as a federal partner, he can improve the situation in terms of traffic control.

"I think it is a combination of the downtown, the BIA and council working together on attracting and for the longer term, how can we make Regional roads slower and how to deal with volume."

And while he has many concerns for the municipality, Mr. O'Toole expressed his appreciation for the opportunities that Uxbridge has to offer, including culture and trails.

"As a politician, I think it is my job to talk about the amazing opportunities as much as it is to address how we can tackle challenges," he said. "I am sure other areas are envious of the culture and trails that Uxbridge has."

Mr. O'Toole also sees a need to reach out to the local youth of Uxbridge, noting that many are facing challenges with the affluence and success that Uxbridge has.

Mr. O'Toole is focused on understanding the youth of the community and admitted that while politicians don't always have the answer, he is committed to reaching out to the young people of Uxbridge to gain a better understanding of what they face on a daily basis, including bullying and suicide.

"Uxbridge has very bright kids ... I am trying to understand to see if there is a way to bring people together," he said. "I think as a political leader, this is something that I can do."

- NDP candidate Larry O'Connor

Mr. O'Connor noted many people are concerned about the lack of accountability from the current MP.

"They're spending a lot of taxpayers' dollars, Uxbridge taxpayers' dollars, there is a huge lack of accountability," he said.

Mr. O'Connor also expressed his concerns for the proposed communications tower at the Quaker Village Reservoir, insisting that studies need to be done.

"People aren't about to give up their cellphones but if there are health concerns there, it needs to be looked at," he said.

Mr. O'Connor also said that he will be willing to work with the municipality on the truck volume in the downtown core.

"No doubt (Uxbridge Mayor) Gerri Lynn (O'Connor) and I can sit down to find a solution that will work," he said.

Mr. O'Connor also noted his concerns with the proposed federal election boundary changes. The proposal would see Durham's five federal ridings bumped up to eight, with Uxbridge changing to the Haliburton-Uxbridge riding, which would include all of Brock and Scugog Townships and a portion of Uxbridge, south of Davis Drive.

"I represented that area from '90 to '95 and Uxbridge was intact as a municipality," he said. "It is a lot easier for an MP or an MPP to represent all the needs of that part of the riding, having it intact, to me, that makes most sense."

- Andrew Moriarity of the Christian Heritage Party could not be reached for comment before deadline.

- Questions were submitted by Durham Region Media Group via e-mail to Virginia Erwin, the Green Party candidate, but she did not reply.